Satun Province

Introduction

Satun, the southernmost province of Thailand on the west coast bordering Malaysia, is situated on the west coast in the vicinity of the Straits of Malacca in the Indian Ocean. It is about 973 kilometers far from Bangkok. Its total area of 2,478.98 square kilometers also encompasses 105 islands. The mainland's shoreline extends 144.80 kilometers in length. Most tourists head out to the pristine islands of Tarutao Marine National Park. There are 51 islands in two main groups - Tarutao group and Adang-Rawi group - ranging from the largest, Tarutao, to small, uninhabited retreats used for scientific study.

Diving Destination

Tarutao National Park
Tarutao is the first marine national park of Thailand, located just 40 kilometers of Satun, and 22 kilometers from Pak Bara Pier. This jewel in the Andaman Sea is famous for its rich history and exceptional beauty. It encompasses an approximate area of 1,490 squares kilometers, bounds by Petra National park to the North, and Thailand-Malaysian border to the South.
Tarutao National Park is established by the Thai government on April 20, 1974. Later in 1982, UNESCO proclaimed it ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves. It consists of 7 large islands namely, Tarutao, Adang, Rawi, Lipeh (nipis), Dong (budang), Lek (Bisi), and Klang (Tengah). They are divided into two groups of islands, the Tarutao Islands, and Adang-Rawi islands. Most of the area on the islands is rocky and mountainous with plains found in the valleys and seashores. The best time to visit is between November and April.

Dive Sites: Tarutao Island
Tarutao Island is the biggest island of Tarutao National Park. The name, Tarutao, came from a Malay word, tarotera, meaning many bays for example Pantemalaka Bay, Sone Bay, Talovadab Bay, Talo-U-Dung Bay.

Within its 152 square kilometers lies subtropical forest, white sandy beaches, and sparkling turquoise water. There are many long, pure sand beach ideal for swimming such as Puntemalaka Beach, Moh Beach, and Son Beach.

Dive Site: 8-Mile Rock
- Geographical Characteristic: Two big pinnacles 12.8 km (or 8 miles, as its name implies) away from Tarutao.
- GPS Coordinate: Lat. 06 19 867 N. Long. 099 19 140 E.
- U/W environment: First pinnacle is taller than another, which have a flat and narrow top
- Maximum depth: 40 meters; average depth 25 meters
- Marine lives: Big pelagic such as whale shark and manta ray
- Underwater visibility: average 7-8 meters

Dive Site: Ja Bung Island
This rock reef is covered with colorful soft corals suitable for diving and numerous activities. Seafans, sea anemone, feathers worms, and much more populated this area. It is a popular destination in Adang-Rawi islands the for divers.

- GPS Coordinate: Lat. 06 36 881 N. Long. 099 16 289 E..
- U/W environment: colorful soft corals with the shallowest part of merely 2-3 meters
- Maximum depth: 13 meters
- Marine lives: Soft corals, turtles and macro species - nudibranch, ghost pipefish and soft coral crab.
- Underwater visibility: Depending on the rising and falling of tides

Dive Site: Lee Pe (Scuba Net Rock)
Situated towards the south of Lee Pe island, this dive site consists of three high rock reef. Scuba Net Rock is considered one of the best attractions of Tarutao Marine National Park, filled with corals, seafans, sea anemone, numerous fishes from tiny to large pelagic such as shark, and manta ray.

- GPS Coordinate: Lat. 06 29 298 N. Long. 099 18 860 E.
- U/W environment: Composing three high rock reef
- Maximum depth: 30 meters at sandy seabed. Its average depth is 13-14 meters
-Marine lives: colorful soft corals, schools of rainbow runner
- Underwater visibility: 10 meters

Climate
Weather in Satun is typically that of the tropical monsoon, providing the province with just two seasons, the hot season from February to May, and the rainy season from January to January of the year after.

How to get their

By bus
The Transportation Company Limited provides daily services both of non air-conditioned and air-conditioned buses, leaving from the Southern Bus Terminals at the third kilometer on Pinklao-Nakhonchaisi Road. Further information can be acquired by calling +66 2435 1199, 2435 1200 or visit http:///www.transport.co.th/

By Train
There is no direct train service. Visitors can take southbound trains running daily from Bangkok to Hatyai or Bangkok to Yala. After that, visitors can take a taxi, bus, van to Satun for 97 kilometers. Contact : State Railway Authority of Thailand's at hotline no. +66 1690 or Bangkok's Station , Tel. +66 2220 4334 or visit Website http:///www.srt.or.th/ or http:///www.thailandrailway.com/

By plane
Thai Airways International offers daily flights from Bangkok to Hatyai. From Hatyai visitors can take a taxi, bus, van to Satun. For flight schedule and reservations, contact Bangkok's office at tel. +66 1566, 2280 0060, 2628 2000, Hat Yai's office at tel. +66 7423 343 or visit www.thaiair.com. For more information at the Hat Yai's Airport Terminal, call tel. +66 7425 1007